PDF TasNat_2014_136...pdf | Request a copy Full text restricted Available under University of Tasmania Standard License.

Abstract

The Miena jewel beetle, Castiarina insculpta, is a narrow range endemic, listed as being endangered under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. The species was originally described from a single female specimen collected from the Great Lake area (Carter 1934). Between then and 2010, only a further five female specimens were found, all of which were dead. Until 2013 no records existed of live animals or a male of the species.
In 2013 field naturalists observed for the first time multiple Castiarina insculpta of both sexes active across several locations south and west of Great Lake, the species being found on the composite (Asteraceae) shrub Ozothamnus hookeri (Bonham et al. 2013). The present article explores likely factors contributing to the apparent population increase of Castiarina insculpta, hypothesizing that the expansion of Ozothamnus hookeri stands across the Central Plateau is the most probable explanation.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Spencer, CP and Richards, K
Journal or Publication Title:	The Tasmanian Naturalist
Publisher:	The Tasmanian Field Naturalist Club Inc.
ISSN:	0819-6826
Copyright Holders:	Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club, Chris Spencer
Copyright Information:	The Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page